Google’s AR glasses

Google gave us a glimpse into the future with a sneak peek of its augmented reality glasses, or what the company calls Project Glass.

The glasses don’t have lenses but do have a small monitor that can display messages, maps, appointments, weather and other Google services in the user’s field of vision.

Google has released a video on YouTube that shows a user going about his day wearing the glasses.

Throughout the day he’s able to check in at places using Google +, get turn-by-turn directions, snap photos, listen to music, get alerts about nearby friends, and receive facetime calls. Everything looks to be voice activated, which give the user a totally hands-free experience.

So far it sounds cool, right?

But if these things catch on it’ll give businesses and advertisers another platform to bombard our senses. Imagine ads and daily deals popping up as you pass a row of restaurants. The visual noise could become too much.

Google isn’t the first to venture into the realm of augmented reality eye wear, products that have been around for more than a decade. There are several companies that already sell versions that can cost up to about $5,000. It’s unclear how much Google will charge for their pair or when they’ll hit the market.

And while to some people they just be another distraction, the idea beats having to stare at my smartphone.